Big Society, Gruffalo and Meh make it into Brewer’s phrase dictionary

David Cameron’s term Big Society, children’s story character The Gruffalo and expression of indifference ‘meh’ have all made it into an update of a phrase and fable dictionary.

Former US president George W Bush performing a textbook ‘meh’ (Picture: Reuters)

If you never quite understood the meaning behind David Cameron’s Big Society policy, fear not.

Now you can be referred to a dictionary definition – after the phrase won an entry alongside app, tablet and Sir Alan Sugar’s ‘You’re fired’.

Children’s favourite The Gruffalo also makes the 19th edition of Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable.

First published in 1870, it explains the origins of expressions in literature, history and pop culture.

Many of the new phrases added are economic terms relating to the recession, including ‘double-dip’ and ‘quantitative easing’.

‘Meh’, which conveys indifference, is also included.

The 19th edition of the dictionary has been edited by Countdown co-host and lexicographer Susie Dent.’You might say that entry into Brewer’s Dictionary is the reference equivalent of making it to the Order of the Garter,’ she said.’If a fact, quote, character, custom, or legend adds something to the story of our culture, however laterally or eccentrically, it will have earned its place.’